Dan Henderson vs. Shogun Rua Winner Gets Next Shot at the Title After Rashad Evans

When Dan Henderson returns at UFC 139 to face Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua, a shot at the UFC light heavyweight title will be on the line.

UFC President Dana White confirmed that the bout between Henderson and Rua will be a No. 1 contender’s match when speaking to MMAWeekly.com on Wednesday.

According to White, Rashad Evans is still next in line to get the winner of this weekend’s fight between champion Jon Jones and challenger Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson, but either Hendo or Rua will get the next crack at the belt.

“It would be tough not to give the winner of that the next shot,” said White.

Henderson comes back to the UFC after relinquishing the Strikeforce light heavyweight title, which he won earlier this year by defeating Rafael ‘Feijao’ Cavalcante.

Meanwhile, Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua will attempt to get back to the pinnacle of the division just two fights removed for losing the belt to Jones back in March.

The Brazilian stormed back in his home country of Brazil where he defeated former light heavyweight champion Forrest Griffin at UFC 134.

Rua will face Henderson with a shot at the title on the line, and a possible chance at redemption against Jon Jones, who he lost the belt to at UFC 128.

Currently, the fight between Henderson and Rua has been verbally agreed to, but bout agreements still haven’t been issued for the Nov 19 fight.

While there are still details to be figured out before the fight is official, White also confirmed that the bout between Rua and Henderson would be a five-round non-title main event for the UFC 139 card.

MMAWeekly.com will have more details on the UFC 139 card when it becomes available.

There is still the possibility, although very slight possibility, that Rua could still face Jones. IF Rashad beats Jones, they could make that match happen. I’d like to see a healthy Rua take on Jones one more time